An outstanding effort, the 2004 Syrah Marston Vineyard (100% Syrah) exhibits beautiful blueberry, black raspberry, and floral characteristics, less spice than expected, but lovely purity, medium body, and surprising elegance as well as length. It will benefit from 1-2 years of bottle age, and should drink well for 10-12. Previously recommended: 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Knight’s Valley (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Napa (89), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Bancroft Ranch (90), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Chabot Vineyard (92), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Marston Vineyard (90+), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Private Reserve (94), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Quarry Vineyard (88?), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Rancho del Oso (87), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon St. Helena Home Vineyard (93), 2002 Cabernet Sauvignon Steinhauer Vineyard (90), 2004 Chardonnay Napa (87), 2004 Chardonnay Private Reserve (92), 2004 Chardonnay Sbragia Limited Release (93).Not yet released.Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

The light-styled, medium-bodied, dense ruby/purple-colored 2002 Syrah Marston Vineyard possesses excellent black and blueberry fruit intermixed with licorice and earth characteristics. Longtime readers who may have purchased some of the terrific wines made by Sean Thackrey will be interested in knowing that this vineyard was the source for much of the Syrah that went into his Orion cuvee. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

The light-styled, medium-bodied, dense ruby/purple-colored 2002 Syrah Marston Vineyard possesses excellent black and blueberry fruit intermixed with licorice and earth characteristics. Longtime readers who may have purchased some of the terrific wines made by Sean Thackrey will be interested in knowing that this vineyard was the source for much of the Syrah that went into his Orion cuvee. Tel. (707) 963-7115; Fax (707) 963-1735

This wine was recommended, but no tasting note was given.

Really ripe-smelling, with elements of pruny fruit intertwined with hickory smoke and graham cracker on the nose. The fruit freshens up on the palate, turning plummy and velvety. Sturdy, this wine shows its mountain origins without being overly tough. ——W.E.(9/1/2005)—— 89